An individual elected or appointed to an office shall be deemed to have refused the office if the individual declines or neglects to take and subscribe the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution or by other State or local law: within 30 days after the office of a clerk of a circuit court receives the commission of the individual; or if the commission is not sent to a clerk of a circuit court, within 30 days after the individual receives the commission or the notice of appointment.

The clerk of each circuit court shall regularly report to the Secretary of State the names and offices of all officers who have taken and subscribed an oath before the clerk. The Secretary of State: shall preserve a report required by subsection (a) of this section; and equally with the clerk of a circuit court, is competent to certify that an officer has qualified by taking and subscribing an oath before the clerk.